ISSUE 01 Little Footprints 01 1st Anniversary Edition 2013

This issue Sunday School through the ages P.1

My Campus P.3 A glimpse through the history of the DBA Sunday School over time from 1977 till date Book review P.4 Character study P.5

VBS 2013 P.6 SS Kids section P.7 Editorial

Praise be to God's Holy name.

As SS Voice looks back, we have now completed one successful year. When we first started this magazine it was only a dream in the heart of a few. Today we have come a long way only because of all your love, support and prayers.

I would love to share with you all something that touched me very emotionally few months back. The hearts of many of our brothers and sisters here in Bangalore and many around the globe were moved when we heard about the demise of our dear sister Jessen ( Sis. Susan Biju). But what touched me most was all the good things I heard about her on her funeral. I personally, am witness to how great a person she was. She always spread her warmth and care wherever she went. She was a person who truly loved and served God. And then I thought, what would people say about me when my time on earth came to an end?

It’s not about how long you live on this earth, but about how you live that matters. The Bible quotes in 1 Timothy 4:12, "Let no man despise your youth but be an example to the believers." As youths for the Lord, let’s stop worrying about our future on this earth. But rather about that imperishable crown in heaven. Let us be like arrows in the hand of a mighty warrior (Psalm 127:4)

SS Voice has taken up a new milestone of having a new name too: “LITTLE FOOTPRINTS” In the coming days, may God guide us to paths He wants us to go to be His witnesses. Our nation, India and countries around the world are in need for true saints to spread the gospel of love. People are craving to know the truth but they are only being cheated over and over again. As youths for God today, what is the role you are playing for the lost souls?

“The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.” (Matthew 9:37)

Sheeba Stanley “Train up a child in the way he should go and even when he is old He will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6)

Sub Editor

DBA SUNDAY SCHOOL The re-gathering of the church provided for more opportunities for fellowship than before. As a result, the Sunday School anniversaries had a permanent hosting place for sometime in the ICC A FLASHBACK IN HISTORY complex. The first ever VBS was also held in the new premises in the year 2002. Bro Rajan Thomas and Evgt. Joy John were the special guests for the first ever VBS. It was a joint effort of the three assemblies in Doha.

The VBS ministry has grown manifold today and has been a blessing for the children here as well as for the ministries in India. From the year 2011, Bro V.I Mathew has served as the Head Master of the Sunday School ministry until present. During this time, the church was formally granted permission to gather in the new IDCC complex. It was the prayers of many saints around the world that paved way for such a decision by the government.

Today, the Sunday School ministry continues to impact the lives of the younger generation as it has been in the past years. Many former students of the Sunday School are today teachers of the very same word they had been instructed in the past. This is truly a reflection of the blessing of this ministry.

Testimonies from Teachers

I am delighted to be one among the founders of DBA Sunday School in 1977 along with Bro John Mathew Bro P.V Thomas Bro Gaius Mathew Bro P.V. Thomas and Late Bro. John Mathew and see our Sunday School come this far and become a great blessing for many around the world and for our assembly. -Bro Gaius Mathew The Doha Brethren Assembly Sunday School started in the year 1977 under the leadership of Bro Gaius Mathew,

Bro P.V Thomas and Late Bro John Mathew with a very few children. Today, it has grown to be the breeding ground I am blessed to be a part of DBA Sunday School from my childhood. During my time in SS, I for the next generation of leaders in the church. remember, Jain aunty, Gaius Uncle, Joseph Sir Uncle, my dad, Titus uncle, PV Thomas uncle

and many more as my teachers. I used to enjoy the singing session by Gaius uncle a lot. I The training and exposition received at the DBA Sunday School in the doctrines of the Bible has certainly been the accepted Christ as my Savior & told my first testimony at SS in the year 1988. That is the foundation for spiritual growth in the lives of the many students who have graduated from here. Their lives are greatest moment I always remember & cherish in my life. I am proud to be a student of DBA SS. testimony to the sacrifices made by the dedicated teachers who truly put their heart and soul in training young minds. Later I also got the opportunity to be a teacher in DBA SS in the years 1998 - 2001. I remember

teaching my little children Jenson, Rojit, Pretty, Erica, Abel, etc....My prayer always is that all History the children of DBA SS should shine for the Lord wherever they are. Let us all shine for the Lord. During the early years, the Sunday School took place at Al Bida Hall. There was no Head Master during the early -Sis Lissa Varghese days. Later the gatherings rotated through Rumailah, Al Sadd and Fereej Bin Mahmoud in various residences and halls. Even though it was a difficult period during the history of the Sunday School here, God has mercifully protected all of us, helped us to continue without any hindrances amidst the fear of As a result of persecution in the church, the common gathering in the hall ceased in Dec 1992.The following years stopping the same. Also the students of that era came out as outstanding in their educational from 1993-2000 were the dark ages in the history of the church as the church was split into many groups for gathering and also spiritual standings. Many are using their talents in our Assembly currently. When I see purposes due to persecution. During this period, the Sunday School was held in the residences of many believers. It is them, I always thank my loving God for them and also for answering my prayers about them worth noting the sacrifices made by the believers in hosting the Sunday School in spite of a hostile environment. Bro -Sis Kunjumol Boban P.A Philip served as the Head Master of the Sunday School from 1993 till 2010. After a gap of 7 years, the church regathered as one in 2000 at the ICC complex in Fereej Bin Omran. The best memories are always the singing sessions. Both, when I was a student and a teacher. -Bro Boban Titus

SUNDAY SCHOOL HISTORY

It is important to realize that Sunday schools were originally literally schools: they were places were poor children could learn to read. The Sunday school movement began in Britain in the 1780s. The Industrial Revolution had resulted in many children spending all week long working in factories. Christian philanthropists wanted to free these children from a life of illiteracy. Well into the 19th century, working hours were long. The first modest legislative restrictions came in 1802. This resulted in limiting the number of hours a child could work per day to 12! This limit was not lowered again until 1844. Moreover, Saturday was part of the regular work week. Sunday, therefore, was the only available time for these children to gain some education.

The English Anglican evangelical Robert Raikes (1725-1811) was the key promoter of the movement. It soon spread to Testimonies (Contd….) America as well. Denominations and non-denominational organizations caught the vision and energetically began to create Sunday schools. Within decades, the movement had become extremely popular. By the mid-19th century, DBA Sunday School was the best Sunday School I had seen. I still have sweet memories of it Sunday school attendance was a near universal aspect of childhood. Even parents who did not regularly attend church and also remember all the students, tiny tots & grown-ups. Children of all my classes from themselves generally insisted that their children go to Sunday school. Working-class families were grateful for this K.G I to class IV were sweet children, I still remember Br. Noble & Br. Bejoy, who were opportunity to receive an education. They also looked forward to annual highlights such as prize days, parades, and very silent in their first class, later became good speakers. I thank God for them. Me & Mrs. picnics, which came to mark the calendars of their lives as much as more traditional seasonal holidays. Kunjumol Boban together took our best effort to teach children action songs and memory verses, sometime after promising them "Lion Bars" .Now my ex-students are all in a good Religious education was, of course, always also a core component. The Bible was the textbook used for learning to position, some of them doctors, some engineers, some business consultants, etc. I really read. Likewise, many children learned to write by copying out passages from the Scriptures. A basic catechism was thank God for them. Later years, Sis. Suja also joined us in conducting the programs for also taught, as were spiritual practices such as prayer and hymn-singing. Inculcating Christian morality and virtues was kids and the best program we conducted was in the anniversary of 1999, I believe, when we another goal of the movement. Sunday school pupils often graduated to become Sunday school teachers, thereby conducted a program called 'Kids Praises', which was a mixed program with all the kids gaining an experience of leadership not to be found elsewhere in their lives. Even some Marxist historians have from K.G I to 4th Std. Everybody appreciated that program. Our song session in the Sunday credited 19th-century Sunday schools with empowering the working classes. School was conducted by Br. Boban Titus at that time and he has conducted it very beautifully and strictly, so that the children learned so many new songs that time. I hope In both Britain and America, universal, compulsory state education was established by the 1870s. After that, reading and pray that the present Sunday School is much better than our time, but I cannot stop to and writing were learned on weekdays at school and the Sunday school curriculum was limited to religious education. say that, it was the best Sunday School and thank you very much for giving me this chance. Nevertheless, many parents continued to believe that regular Sunday school attendance was an essential component of childhood. The trend for permissive parenting in the 1960s, however, meant that a widespread culture of insisting that -Sis Jane Paul Thischildren Month’s go to Sunday Q&A school Technology whether they wantTips to or not (especially when the parents were not themselves going to church) was abandoned.

We are truly indebted to you all teachers for bringing us up in the fear of the Lord. We (Source: www.Christianitytoday.com) cannot claim to have received any foundation in the scriptures save from the Sunday School we attended at DBA. We want to wholeheartedly thank you all for your selfless service and love in teaching us, developing our talents and imparting in us values that have had a lasting impact in our lives both as individuals and families.

-Ex-Sunday School students

ABCD So, are we disciples? Yes, we say, but I am a disciple of the Lord. But the Lord asks the disciples to make disciples. Do we have a guru like Samuel had Eli, Joshua had Moses and Elisha had Elijah, Timothy had Paul and the disciples had the Lord himself? Evgt. Jim Mathew In my personal life I have found it of great help to go back to my gurus. One of them has passed away, so I have another one to whom I run to with my problems, confusions and confessions. Of course I take it to the Lord, but when I Now why in the world should I read something with a title like this??!! Because it as have been confused, they have guided me, as ones who are responsible to the Lord for the wellbeing of my soul “for significant to our Christian lives, as learning the alphabets are to reading. It is the they watch on behalf of your souls,” (Heb. 13:17) and I greatly owe to them for where I am today in the Lord. abbreviation to the title A Biblical Christian Disciple. (To be continued) At the outset - this may not sound new, but this is vital, for it is not only important to be right with God, but also to be of use to the Lord by being a blessing to the Local church to which you belong. And this is how it will begin.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations… Teaching them to observe all things THE LAME MAN LITTLE FOOTPRINTS whatsoever I have commanded you” – Matthew 28:19, 20

Normally the “final words” of a person are considered to be of great importance. These were among the final words of My thoughts run to a lame man, They are watching you everyday the Lord Jesus Christ before his ascension, and so demands our focused attention. The failure of the church in making Who was once invited to the king's presence, Your victories, your falls disciples has led to many young lives losing their way in the world. All that man deserved was death, They want to know what it's like Today all of us live in a fast world - we want everything instantly. One minute photo, instant coffee, noodles, and if For the deeds of his grandfather was wrong. To be YOU for a day possible, one minute spirituality too. We wish it worked that way in the Lord’s workshop. But out there it takes time. His granddad attempted to kill this king, Believing every word you say, It’s like a metal smith or any smith working to produce a masterpiece. Every And his bad deeds pleased not our Lord. They treasure thoughts in their beating hearts product that is made is designed for the best use. In the olden days a smith (metalworker) was a person involved in the shaping of metal objects. The But my heart sank for this king's decision, You might never remember your actions word smith is related to the somewhat archaic English word, "smite", meaning For he decided to give mercy to that man. But they always do.. "to hit" or "to strike". Originally, smiths practiced their crafts by forming metal with hammer blows. Mercy was not all that he showed, Clouds aren't as high as the dream castles they make He returned to him all his land too. Pure and radiant -even unshakable All the major characters in the Bible were designed in God’s workshop for they needed to be moulded, before they could be of any use. Moulding requires a lot And that day on, this man feasted with the king, Their desires never meet reality of flexibility, and flexibility demands not only heating but even beating, and He was counted among the king's sons. 'Being practical' is something unheard of hammering too. God prepared Moses in the wilderness for 40 years, David in the woods for many years; the disciples of the Lord were trained with the Today I feel like this man Mephibosheth, They see your mistakes as something true & right master for around 3 and half years. For all my sins I deserved to go to hell. They never doubt your plans

But my gracious Father in heaven, Always around you everywhere... unnoticed.. Brought me into His banqueting house. Are little children Discipleship is about loving God. It is more than an acknowledgement of God’s existence or a statement of belief With their little footprints... regarding God. It is total devotion, head-over-heels-in-love-with adoration. It is the deep desire to know God, to be one And through His son on the cross, with God, and to worship God. He promised me a place up in the heavens.

And it’s also about learning how to do it here on earth- learning from someone who does it right. Sheeba Stanley Drawing Disciple It’s about being a follower of somebody, even as he also is of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1)

GOD PLEASING WORSHIP HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS Ancy Mathew Drawing Disciple

Apostle Paul describes worship perfectly in Rom 12:1-2- “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, We have heard countless number of messages about relationships. I don’t know if there’s anything new that you that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do might find here as you read on, but I’m sure you’ll agree that a revision is sometimes very helpful. not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” These verses contain the elements of true worship. Firstly, the Now let’s suppose your friend is an unbeliever.. How do you go about with such a relationship? You could have “mercies of God” should motivate us to worship Him. He has given us eternal life in Him which we don’t deserve. started out with all good intentions.. For discussion sake, let’s take evangelization as an example. You know quite The knowledge of the incredible gifts he has bestowed upon us should motivate us to pour out praise and well that sharing the gospel is what the Lord has called you for. But sharing the gospel with a friend of the opposite thanksgiving to Him! Then, we should present our bodies “a living sacrifice” to Him which means we should give sex is not as easy as handing out a tract on the street to a total stranger. It means sharing a lot of things other than the God all of ourselves. That includes our heart, mind, thoughts, attitudes – all of them should be presented to God. gospel too. Now such a situation can (It’s a possibility) lead to emotional attachment. This is based on a message that How? The verse goes on to tell us we should do so by “the renewing of the mind”. We renew our minds daily by I’ve heard in one of our college fellowship meetings. It’s not a commandment but it’s something that we do back in cleansing our minds of the world’s wisdom and replacing it with wisdom from God. The thoughts of the flesh should college. We hold firmly to this idea that. Only sisters should guide other unbeliever girls in the faith, be their be replaced with the thoughts of the Spirit. As 1 Corinthians 2:16 says, we need to have “the mind of Christ” .We strongest encouragement and source of support. And the brothers likewise for other brothers. need to renew our minds by the knowledge of the Word of God in us. What about a believer friend from the opposite sex? Well, if you can’t see him / her as your fellow brother / sister in Worship involves submission and acknowledge- the Lord, then there’s seriously something wrong in the way you look. Remember we ought to treat older men as ment of God’s sovereignty. True worship is God fathers, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. centered worship. Sometimes the focus during Worship involves submission and worship goes to other things like what music is (1Timothy5:1-2) Are we able to grow more in the Lord and fulfill His purpose in such a relationship? And Hebrews acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty sung, how it looks to other people, our emotions 3:13 says- “But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will and many other patterns followed in the church. be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin”. Don’t forget that Issac was meditating in the field while Rebecca was Jesus said true worshippers must worship God brought to him by Abraham’s servant.. He didn’t go out looking for her.. Song of Solomon 2:7b says “Do not arouse “in Spirit and truth”. (John 4:24)” The most or awaken love until it so desires.” God has given a set time in every individual when love should be awakened. important thing is that our heart and attitude are in the right place. In order to worship God in truth, we need to know that Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and That’s an obvious biblical principle. We might the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)" So, before we can worship in the way that not be in as much danger as the new believers God desires, we need to ensure that we have a strong relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ. We also who have come out from their homes to serve need to know that God is holy, loving, and He is the ONLY one worthy of all our worship and devotion. Psalm 96:9 Any relationship, whether it be with the the Lord in their youth. Such people have no says, "Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth" opposite or same sex has to be for the family to guide or support them and so are easily led astray in the pursuit of a suitable believer Nothing else in this world should come before our God or become a pursuit of our life other than God. When we ultimate glory of our God. partner from within the fellowship/church. It is praise and worship the Lord of our life, not only does it fill our deepest needs and gives us great peace within, it then our responsibility to guide those who are brings great joy to the Lord. Zephaniah 3:14-17 says, “Sing, O Daughter of Zion; Shout, O Israel! Rejoice; be in weaker in faith, to make sure they do not fall high spirits and glory with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away your judgments; He away. I’ve been blessed to have awesome has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, the LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He brothers in the Lord both in Sunday school and college, who have always guided and rebuked me as their own sister. will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah’s words here reveal us about God’s character. He tells Israel that God is mighty and He will save. He is Let’s thank our Lord for this fellowship that we share because we know that although we are not related by blood, present among them and their shouts of joy please Him. God delights in the praises of His people! May the Lord God knit us together in love for each person’s spiritual growth and edification. enable us to praise and worship Him in Spirit and truth!

TEMPTATION BE YE MY WITNESSES Best Article Josephine Johnson Joab John

Temptation! Everywhere we look, we are tempted in some way! Since life began in this world everyone has been In Isaiah chapter 43 verse 8 and 9, the Lord challenges the people outside the covenant of Israel to come up and tempted in many aspects of their day-to-day life. And especially for the youth like you and I, who have just declare the power of their gods and be witnesses for their gods. In the next verse, the Lord says to Israel, “You are my completed teenage and college life, this subject is a scary and dangerous never ending battle! witnesses.” What does it mean? Before getting into that, let’s go to the meaning of the word “Witness”. It’s pretty simple. You see something happening, you then tell it to others. You tell what you experienced to others. You The definition of the word "tempt" is to "entice or incite to do a wrong or a forbidden thing". In other words we are witness the happenings to others. "allured" or "attracted" to something taboo. We often get tempted to eat that yummy piece of cake or to buy that beautiful dress we have been eyeing for so long. These are not actions which lead to doing a wrong thing unless it’s In courts, we call witnesses to the stand to make them tell the court what they have seen or heard. Being witnesses of acceptable in the sight of God. BUT, on the other hand when we focus from a believer’s point of view temptation is Christ means, in simple terms to talk about what we have experienced in our life through Christ. It’s very important something which Satan, our enemy would love to entice us with. to note that it has to come from one’s own experience. The reason being the witnessing has to be genuine. You can’t just say that you have experienced goodness from the Lord while you live an immoral life among the people around Satan tried to tempt our LORD! Do you think he'll spare us?! Every believer is tempted by means of the flesh, you. Your saying that is equivalent to a politician’s lies to get you to vote for him in the elections. But the part of thoughts or words by Satan to act think and speak against witnessing Christ is not supposed to be a request from God. It’s all part of the steps to a proper Christian life. It’s God's will. Sa-tan knows our weaknesses and has all power simple if you think about it. to tempt us in many ways. Our adversary the devil walks 1. Accept Christ as you Lord. about like a roaring lion seeking to tempt us believers even 2. Keep constant touch with him by reading his word and praying. more to prevent us from enjoying the eternal glory that God 3. Learn the Doctrines and know right from wrong. has promised us. Everyone experiences temptations! The key 4. Apply what you have learned in your life all the while witnessing Christ in your life. lies in how to overcome them! As a new believer or teenager or youth, temptations are on its peak and more than enough In Isaiah, God tells Israel that they are his witnesses because they have witnessed the power of the Lord. It is their for us to be led into dangerous pits. Though we are urged to responsibility to tell the attacking nations that their God is mightier than any other God, simply because they have "“Walk worthy of the calling with which we were called experienced it in their lives. Can a man witness an event truthfully if he knows nothing about it? That’s why these (Eph 4:1)", we live in a world where we face distracting enticements. Maybe we're offered a job that pays well but steps given above are important. But a witness can either be right or wrong. The Bible predicts that towards the end requires that we compromise biblical principals. But we must never cease to remember that Our calling is always to of time, their will be many false witnesses who will claim that Jesus in not the way, or Jesus is not the only way etc. do God's will. The appetites of the world and the flesh are powerful and addictive tools of the devil. He appeals to But they are witnessing a false thing. It is party because of this that I have said that application of your knowledge is our love for what satisfies our selfish and sinful desires and uses it to tempt, control, discourage, defeat, and destroy important to witness the goodness and trust of Christ. us. For example, the Lord tells about seeking the kingdom of God first and about the things that would follow it. Giving My beloved! We have the power to withstand these fiery darts. Paul prompts us in Galatians 5:16 to, “Walk in the God position number one doesn’t mean losing on other priorities in your life. You may have to sacrifice something Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh". In Romans 13:14 he reminds us to, "“Put on the Lord Jesus that is important to you at that moment. Frankly speaking, I am yet to experience this grace. But I have heard of many Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts" .To break the power of darkness and to withstand testimonies of servants of God who will gladly give a thousand examples from their lives alone about this promise. temptation in our life, God has provided the armor BUT WE NEED TO PUT IT ON!!! When they speak on it, they witness God’s grace in their lives.

All through Genesis 1 to Matthew 4 it is the same tempter who With one decisive blow replaced the joy in the garden When God says you are my witnesses, it’s sort of like we are God’s representatives. It’s like a messenger from the of Eden with the bareness of shame .Just as Jesus had victory over Satan, we are assured that the day is coming when King’s palace, who travels many miles, to pass the message of the King to whoever the King wants. The truthful we will no longer toil in Satan's wilderness but will be ushered into heaven, where the joy of Eden will be ours FOR- messenger will be rewarded. The Lord gives many examples in parables of truths relating to this. The parable of the EVER! AMEN! REMEMBER Satan laughs at God when we fall into his temptations and we sin. talents can be closely related to this. We are those slaves, who have what we need to witness him. It can be dangerous, it can be a tumultuous journey, but in the end, the reward of the Father is what keeps us going forward. Do we really want Satan to laugh at our Father "just because of our deeds, words, or actions???”THINK! Let us TRAMPLE TEMPTATION beneath our feet and win over it! May God be glorified by our lives! Be ye witness of Christ shouldn’t be a commandment. It should be an action we should gladly be doing in our lives. Spreading the good news is like a man going around sharing his fire in the candle to those in the dark. They will see where they are going and you will be the messenger who did it.

BE THANKFUL WONDERS OF SMALL THINGS Miracle of Love Jensen Benoji

It might seem strange when you think about the title .You might ask yourselves what do I mean from it. But let me Romans 16: 1-16.What do you think Phoebe was like? Maybe she was the kind of lady who was always helping make it clear for you through a small story. It's very much familiar to each one of us. This incident happened during around the church. Perhaps she taught at Sunday School or kept the rooms clean. What about Priscilla and one of the sermons of Lord Jesus Christ. It's the story of feeding the 5000 . Aquilla? We know a little more about them. They worked together as a couple, sharing the gospel through their tent making business. Then there is Urbane, a "helper in Christ" (Rom16:9). Maybe he led a Bible Study; and the entire Now I would like to bring to your attention how Lord was able to perform the miracle. He did it with the help of 5 household of Aristobulus is mentioned. His family must have served well since they were specially mentioned by Paul. loaves of bread and 2 fishes. Now have you ever thought who provided it to the Lord. Actually it’s not mentioned In his letters, Paul often thanked others for their service to God and him. His example should be a challenge to us. who gave Him but whoever gave it, the Lord's name was glorified through that person's small act. Now I think you When was the last time you thanked a person who has meant a lot to you. The person who has helped you through get my point. The Lord uses even small things for His name to be manifested among the people. Can we as young troubled times, who has lowered their shoulder so you can rest upon, who has given you a ride so you can reach work teens capitalize on such chances given by the Lord to glorify his name?. But for that we need to identify such small in time, who has given you food so you wouldn't sleep hungry, who has sung songs so your soul had a good rest, who chances . It's easy just be a good observer and an initiator. has prayed for you so your family will be blessed. For example if you spot someone who used to regularly come to church and used to be active and suddenly shows Take time to appreciate these humble efforts of kindness, so you'll be richly blessed by the good Lord. May God bless signs of backsliding ,Pray for him and Encourage him by appreciating him for his small works. That will mentally you all richly. strengthen him and make him more active for the Lord. Bring more and more friends you can for small Bible camps because you never know how you could be an instrument used by the Lord in bringing him to the saving knowledge of Christ. Be always ready to do small duties such as arranging the chairs in the church , keeping the place tidy before the meeting begins and so on. Don't be ashamed to do such small duties, because in the sight of the Lord small things IN HIS MEADOW A UNIQUE ENCOUNTER do matter a lot. If you can take the initiative for such small things and be faithful in it, then Lord will give you bigger responsibilities in the future . Remember always we are able to perform miracles through Lord only if we fully

surrender ourselves to Him. He is able to create beautiful pots with mere clays like us. For that he checks our attitude In my moments of need & sorrow I knew no Physician who could correct my disease and our faithfulness. Therefore I would like to personally encourage all my fellow readers that God's name can be Those days when my soul seems empty & hollow of sin glorified even through small things from our side. Are you ready to take up such small things for his glory? I knew no Savior who could save from eternal death

I simply walk into my savior's meadow

And am comforted in His shadow I knew no God who could give eternal life

I knew no Love that could give up everything for me SCIENCE FACTS IN THE BIBLE There's no other place I would rather be

No one has ever heard or can see Until I met Jesus, the sinless Son of God who gave  The earth free-floats in space (Job 26:7) me life and life anew What He has prepared for me Peace with God, a joyful heart and blessings  The earth is an orb or sphere (Isaiah 40:22) There's no place to hide from His love manifold What more can I ask for? What more do I need?  The sun goes in a circuit (Psalm 19:6) His mercy can find me anywhere I go No one can snatch me from His hand Humbly I come to Thee ,my Lord  Light can be divided (Job 38:24 ) Unworthy of Thy great mercy and grace I can never turn away from His plans  Light travels in a path (Job 38:19 ) And though it may take Him time to fulfill them in Offering Thee my praises and thanksgiving me For I scarce have anything else that could equate -  God fashions and knits us together in the womb (Job 10:8-12) I know for sure that in His time, perfect it will be. Thy love for me  The seed of a plant contains its life (Genesis 1:11-12) Steffi Chinnu Johns Writing Steward  Blood is the source of life and health (Leviticus 17:11, 14)

A WILD FELLOWSHIP

Steve John Mathew THE UNSEEN GLORY In Prov 6:6, We are told to learn from the ants, to consider its ways and change our lazy attitude to life on earth. But I would like to turn your attention from there to another side of wildlife where we can observe the giant herds of Zebras and Wildebeests to learn a spiritual lesson about fellowship. In the midst of troubles, worries and afflictions of this These two species of mammals, move as interdependent herds. Zebras are animals with good eyesight and a poor sense world. of smell, unlike the Wildebeests that have poor eyesight and an outstanding sense of smell. When they live together, I reasoned with God and complained for all of these they are less vulnerable to predators. This is because the weaknesses of one herd are complemented by the strengths of the other and as a whole their flaws are irrelevant. When there is danger approaching, the Zebras make a move He lifted my eyes up unto heaven and showed me all His glory according to which the Wildebeests also move, and as a result they work together for their survival. This is something Then he took me to a place where a home was being built that we have to be inspired from. As Galatians 6:2 reminds us- it is in the Law of Christ that we carry each other's burdens. That in itself is a form of fellowship, where we learn to combine our strengths for the benefit of our respective I enquired of all the works and marveled at its beauty spiritual lives. Similarly 1st Corinthians 12:12-35 speaks to us about the Unity and Diversity in the gifts given to the I still could not understand the purpose of all such dwellings believers, and to refer the divine thought from verse 26-"If one part suffers, every part suffers with it, if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." The spiritual gifts have been spread across to each one differently. These spiritual Until He pointed a finger unto me and said that it was all mine gifts have to be brought together for the glory of God and for the enrichment of our spiritual lives. I was startled at that statement and could not make a move Let us share with each other and learn from our Lord about the oneness in our diversity when we come into His presence Then he showed me His own hands and placed them upon mine I could see the marks of suffering that were just for me

BIBLE APP REVIEW And still again I wondered the reason for all of this For which my savior's finger pointed again unto me

And said “ Son, you are my precious possession. I want you to know that you are loved more than  Notification option to alert user  Most downloaded app with 100 all this creation of mine” of daily reading plan million downloads Tears rolled down my eyes as I stooped to worship my savior

 400 languages and 600  Bookmarks and notes can be stored of reading portion For I was foolish in my complaints and worries that were just lame translations When compared with all the glory that He is preparing for me

 Bible Reading plans based on  Share verses/devotions on social age, theme, longevity and media like Facebook/Twitter I thought He would be angry and kept crying for all my mistakes custom needs But my Lord just embraced me and said “ You are loved, dearly loved even unto eternity”  Track daily progress in reading  Available on Android and iOs plan Why should I complain? Why should I worry? Why should I ever cry? platforms When I live for eternity and fix my eyes always on His glory  Catch up plan for missed out portions  Shared reading plan through ‘live events’ to mentor one

another  Accolades for every new reading plan/bookmark/ note by means of Badges Noble Mathew

LESSONS FROM COLLEGE TESTIMONY Steffi Chinnu Johns Paul Mathew Gaius

I remember praying during my 12th standard, asking God for three things I wanted most when I joined college- a Praise be to God’s most holy name. It’s indeed a great privilege to share with you all about my small testimony which Brethren church nearby, a Christian youth fellowship within the campus and a believer friend in my batch. It's amazing happened during college. Being a college student, it was always the best days of my life. how God decided that I'll need much more than just that. Not only did I have an assembly to go to every Sunday, I had I came down to Coimbatore soon after completing my under graduation. Coming down to Coimbatore was really a great families in Christ there, who called me up (and still does today!) to check on me from time to time. And it wasn't just thrill for me. Coming into a new culture with new friends and a whole new style of studying. Those were the times when ANY Christian fellowship that I was blessed with- it was a group of believers that included seniors and juniors who I felt that I was at the peak of my spiritual life. I often used to be confident that, having a good experience in U.G life, went through the same struggles as I did in college. So it wasn't just one believer friend in the end- it was a room full of Satan no more can mess around with my life, or bring me down anymore. The first few months went on really smooth, them (including 5 from my own batch). Yes, God answers prayers. These are the few lessons I learnt during my by reading the Bible, praying daily to God, active at church etc. But as time passed, things started to change. college days:

1) Your first impression is going to be the ONLY impression that you can make in college. Don't mess it up! Being a little enthusiastic at college, I was awarded with various posts to lead my class in various activities of the college. Day by day, God started to bless me and my academic life. On one side I started to grow high, by being famous 2) You will never know who it was that you inspired/influenced/insulted with your actions/words. So be careful at all in college, I was asked to do various activities and organize a lot of things, but on the other hand I kept forgetting the times. fact that I was slipping spiritually. As days went by, things started to become worse.

3) A testimony is worth 10 sermons. Your life story- with all its imperfections and the role of God's amazing grace in My interest towards God or godly activities came down completely. Sunday worships became a traditional routine. Fear making you a better person- is what your friends need to hear and see everyday. Wear your statement! Don't just say it. did strike my mind, but I was in no position or mood to get back to normal life. That was when in between my semester exams, friends called me out for a small drive. It was to relieve us from our exam stress. At first I said a ‘No’, but then 4) Just because you had an awesome Sunday school (with every doctrine drilled in before you left) doesn't mean that later decided to give it a try. As it was a Saturday, I decided to take my Bible along with me to go to church the next you are going to be an awesome Christian in college. day, as I won’t be able to get back to my hostel. The ride went on smooth, but it ended up in a very major accident. There also ,my God was very gracious and compassionate towards me. I broke my knee cap bone. And as I lie down on Life is an everyday struggle. You will have to depend on fellow believers to pull up to your feet when you fall. I learnt the bed for almost two months, God showed mercy to talk to me and made me realize all the mistakes I had been from both my seniors and juniors, how to love my Lord better everyday. My seniors showed me that it is possible to committing. attend fellowship even when you have your Final Year University Exam the next day. And it wasn't because they were too lazy to study or had decided to copy for the test. God honored them with first class marks when the results were out. When I saw the stand they took for my Lord I knew I had to set my priorities straight. I was able to realize many facts in life. I realized who true friends were. The same people who came with me on the drive turned up against me. That day my eyes opened to find my real true friends ie my friends who through my pain And when the baton was handed over to me, it was together with my juniors that I was able to glorify God in the and sorrow stood by me. campus. I was never perfect, but I was definitely enjoying the “peace that passeth all understanding” even during my exam time. Whether it was on-stage for a College day event or just before opening our books to study- we made sure Dear brothers and sisters, my life had a great come back. Being born in a Christian family or being brought up in a that God came first everywhere. Jesus hemmed me in, behind and before with His children so that I wouldn't stray good assembly, you always will be trained well with the Christian armor. But if there is any time in your life where away. College was truly a long walk with God and now as I turn back and look at all the footprints, I know He you will have to remove this armor, that’s where you will fall down. definitely carried me through it all. May His great name be glorified May the name of our Lord be glorified. Amen!!

STUDENTS IN MISSIONS STUDENTS IN MISSIONS A Brief History

(Source: www.wciu.edu)

vow. She asks God for a son, not for herself, but to give back the child for the ministry of Lord. When the priest GOD IS IN CONTROL i.e., Eli, sees Hannah, he misunderstood, her to be drunk. And, rebukes her for that. But, Hannah gently explains that she was a woman in pain and so was pouring out the sorrows in her heart to God. Eli then blessed her by Sis Asha Chandy Alexander telling her that “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant what you have asked of Him. (1 Samuel 1:9-17) Hannah then goes back to her home. The word of God says verse 18 that, "she went her way and ate something and her face was no longer downcast". It shows the strong faith she had. She knew that God was going to The first chapter in the book of Samuel begins with a small introduction about the family into which, the great prophet of God i.e., Samuel was to be born. An Elkanite, Elkanah had two wives. Hannah and Penninah. Hannah was barren, answer her prayer .She no longer was sad. Her situation had not changed, and yet she knew that her whereas Penninah was not. It was a sad situation for Hannah. And to make the matters worst there was always prayers were going to be answered. Her trust was fully on God. Penninah who added to her sorrows, by constantly hurting her about being barren. She forgot that hurting Hannah was not right in the sight of God. For, it is God, who gave her children. Surely, Hannah was going through a really hard Do we have the same kind of Faith like Hannah in God? Do we lose patience after waiting for some time? The time. (1 Samuel 1:1-2, 6, 7) word of God says in Proverbs 3:5, 6 that, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and not lean on your own understanding :in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”May the Lord help us God is in control of everything in our lives. to be strong and to be patient for God’s perfect timing and not take our own shortcuts in life. Sometimes we might wonder why our expectations The Lord remembered Hannah. And in course of time she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel saying "I If prayer stands as the place where God are not met and might struggle to prayerfully achieve it. But He has a much higher purpose, for asked the Lord for him "Before keeping her promise she prepares Samuel for the ministry of God. It was what and human beings meet, then I must our lives. While we struggle to fulfill our made Samuel to be a great prophet for the lord. And then she gives back the child she had" prayerfully received" expectations, we forget to fulfill God’s for the Lord. (1 Samuel 1:19-20) learn about prayer. Most of my struggles expectations. The famous author Philip Yancey Hannah kept her promise to give back the child, she had prayerfully received. Do we keep our promises we take in the Christian life circle around the wrote in one of his book "If prayer stands as the for the Lord? Do we forget those, once our prayers are answered? How do we prepare ourselves to fulfill those place where God and human beings meet, then I promises we took for the Lord? May the Lord help us to do so. same two themes: why God doesn't act must learn about prayer. Most of my struggles in the Christian life circle around the same two Hannah then praises God through a prayer. It came out from a heart full of gratitude and of thanksgiving. Every the way we want God to, and why I don't themes: why God doesn't act the way we want line in the prayer depicts that. Perhaps, this is one of the most touching prayers in the Old Testament. She realized act the way God wants me to. Prayer is God to, and why I don't act the way God wants the purpose God had fulfilled through her life. God had chosen her child for the ministry. There could be no me to. Prayer is the precise point where those greater honor (1 Samuel 2:1-11) the precise point where those themes themes converge.” May the Lord help us to act and live according to His expectations. As the word of God says in Romans 8:28 "For all things work together for the good to them those who love God converge and who are called according to His purpose”, Hannah was blessed again with three sons and two daughters. Hannah had the support of her husband, who Indeed Hannah’s life is an example for us When she choose to honor God, and give back the child she had prayerfully received, God honored her, and gave her five children. God is faithful and never fails to keep His favored her whenever they went year after year as promises. a family to sacrifice and worship God at the Shiloh. He always gave a double portion of the meat to Hannah. He Do we remember to thank God, when our prayers are answered? As, a loving father, He is expecting us to thank comforted her. But that was not enough to relieve the pain she was going through. Once, when they had finished the Him. Will we have a heart to thank God even after we realize that Gods plan is different from what we had worship and sacrifice at Shiloh, Hannah, stood up. We find Hannah pouring out her sorrows in the altar of God. She planned? Do we have a heart full of thanksgiving and gratitude? Or do we just forget all about it? realized that only God could change her situation. It was her ultimate place of refuge. (1 Samuel 1:4-9) Hannah’s life has many important lessons for our practical Christian life. If we come across difficult and The word of God says in Psalms 55:6-8 “I said, Oh that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and stay in the unexpected situations, the mere realization that God is in control will change our attitude towards that situation. desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter; far from the tempest and storm.” And when we learn to trust God fully to help us through our situation, we might struggle not to fulfill ours but rather God’s expectation for our lives. And in course of time when God reveals His purpose to us, let us be Where do we find our comfort and shelter in the times of sorrow? Like, the Dove, do we fly away to our shelter, so that thankful, so that we may fulfill the divine purpose God has for our lives. Let us choose to honor God with our we could be far away from the tempest and storms of our lives? Is it in the feet of our master who has promised never lives and our decisions. In the coming days of our lives, May the Lord help us to follow the example of Hannah to leave us and to be with us forever? Do we allow God to take away the burdens from us, or do we struggle to bear it and to live for his honor and glory. May His name be glorified. all alone? Let us follow the example of Hannah who found her refuge in the altar of God.

The realization that only God could heal her wounds and sorrows makes Hannah to take a vow. It was indeed a strange

My Campus ModelModel BOOK REVIEW Engg.Engg. College Godly John, UAE Jeswy Shaji

If the beginning of the Christian life is the regeneration by the Holy Spirit, then the continuation of that act of Everyone sure has something to share from their college life. Well, here is what I’ve regeneration is our ongoing sanctification or our progressing holiness. There is no life lived on earth that is not got to share from my experience.. progressing in one direction or the other. For the Christian this direction must be towards Christ. As writer C. S. If you ask me why and how I joined this particular college all I can say is that I Lewis frames it “…taking your life as a whole, with all your innumerable choices, all your life long you are slowly joined the college because it was God’s plan for me. How I ended up here is still a turning … into a heavenly creature or a hellish creature...” As we progress in life, our aim should be to build upon haze in my head because studying engineering is something I hardly ever gave any th the sovereign grace that God has established in our heart and submit ourselves to His will and the promises He thought to. My dream was to study Medicine. Halfway through 12 grade I along gives us in the scriptures and glorify Him through our lives. with my parents started enquiring an admission for medicine. There were so many This is the subject of the book I am reviewing. Called ‘Sanctification in the Everyday’, it’s a short compilation of options before us as booking a seat under NRI/ management quota was quite simple. three sermons given by John Piper dealing with biblical and practical aspect of Sanctification. Piper’s aim is to help But there arose in me question of choosing the right college at the right place. I had the Christian grasp the topic of Sanctification as a whole by presenting both the Biblical foundations and promises and the earnest desire that wherever I go, it should be according to God’s will and I should be able to lead a life closer to the practical ways this can be worked out. Him. So as my parents instructed I took the matter completely into the hands of God and asked Him for guidance. I wrote many entrance exams, applied to various colleges for various courses where seat was given by selection on the Through the sermons, Piper breaks the topic into three areas: basis of marks and prayed that I may be directed to the right place and all other doors may be closed. Well, it is truly How the death of Christ on the Cross enables us to be victorious in our Holiness. wonderful when you ask God not only for your needs but also your questions and doubts and receive answers. The practical tools that we have to wage war on Sin. I applied for a few branches in B. Tech under CUSAT. Based on the NRI rank-list, I was called for selection to Govt. Living in the light of the future promised to all who have died in Christ Model Engineering College. When I went for selection, neither was I looking forward to get an admission there nor The majority of the sermon deals with the theological truths but along the way he deals did I expect one. But I came out of there with admission in Electronics and Biomedical engineering. Thus I joined this very practically with helpful ideas that the reader can use as a model to discipline college without any interest or idea about the college or the course I am going to do. But now, looking back I can say themselves when confronted with Temptation to sin. God knew the best for me. Now speaking about my college, if you are looking for a really great campus this is not the right place. But At the end of the book, Piper lists some of the Practical Ideas/Guides presented are: academically, it ranks as third best college in Kerala and is also reputed for it’s almost cent percent placement every ANTHEM: For Fighting Lust year. And of course there’s the fun campus events held yearly. The branch of engineering- Electronics and Bio-medical APTAT: For the Everyday Challenges is something not everyone might be familiar with. It’s basically electronics and concentrates on the electronics and IOUS: For Reading the Bible instrumentation of medical equipment. When I joined college, I did face some difficulties, especially to keep up with AIMS: For Christ-consciousness Throughout the Day everything there. Firstly, everyone there were high rankers and I found the syllabus hard. Then, the people there are a lot different from here and adjusting to the new environment was quite some task. But I could learn a lot through I have personally been edified with this book and it is extremely helpful in empowering us to recover the biblical everything and spiritually too it led me to fully trust and rely on God with things I found difficult to handle and spend truths about Sanctification and applying it in our daily life with some real practical help provided by Piper. The best more time in His presence. part about this book is that it is available for free so I would encourage you to read it. And once you do, encourage The college is situated in Thrikkakkara and the closest church is the Kakkanad Brethren Church, which I attend. It’s a those around you to do the same! good fellowship there and the church also conducts youth meeting every Sunday for college students, which is a blessing. There are also the ICPF and EU fellowships for the students of M.E.C. I attend the EU gathering conducted I will close with the beautiful conclusion Piper provides to one of the sections: every Friday. In addition, they also conduct special classes, revival meetings and camps. It provides a good time you “Christian, be a Christian: live by faith; walk by the Spirit; serve in the strength that God supplies. can spend praying and learning the Bible along with other Christians in the college. It is also a good opportunity to That is, live in such a way that Christ gets trusted, you get helped, people get served, and God gets glory.“ bring your non-believing friends to hear the Word of God. After much praying, I along with a friend have been able to start a weekly hostel prayer. It is a really blessed thing to have such a prayer group in the hostel. In this gathering Free Download available in PDF, EPUB or MOBI formats from desiringGod.org > Resource Library > Books > Sanc- we’ve been able to come together, sing songs, meditate on the Word of God, share prayer matters and spend time tification in the Everyday. effectively in prayer. In college or where ever we are our life with God, and our testimony in front of others is very important. This is the time when all the messages we heard, lessons we learned and the verses we memorized helps us, URL: http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/books/sanctification-in-the-everyday guides us, instructs us and also help us to share it with others.

So if you are someone looking forward to an admission in a good college, I wish you a blessed college life….

BY

STEVE THOMSON

BY

ABEL K JOHNY

Bible Crossword Bible Quiz

1)Who was the commander in chief of David’s army?

2)Who was the disciple to declare first that Jesus is the “Christ”?

3)Who was the prophet from Jerusalem who predicated a famine?

4)Who was the first to translate the Bible to English?

5)Who was Israel’s first high priest?

6)Who is the author of the book “Romans”?

7)Who is the only left handed person mentioned in the Bible?

8)Who build the first altar?

9)Who is known as the “ Man of patience”?

10)Who was the only female judge of Israel?

Answers

1)Joab Across Down 4. For God is my witness. How greatly I ____ for 1. Samson was caught with a girl named ______2)Peter you with the affection of Christ 2. I killed thousand people with the jawbone of a donkey 3)Agabus 6. Surely my witness is in heaven. And my ____ is 3. A faithful witness does not lie but a false witness ____ lies on high 5. He is the Son of God 4)John Wycliffe

5)Aaron

6)Paul

7)Ehud

8)Noah

BY BY 9)Job

KEZIA ALIN SHAJI JEFFY,JENIFER,JAIMIE 10)Deborah

13) I wrote 13 epistles to different churches and individuals. A) APOSTLE PAUL Who am I? 14) I am a minor Prophet the son of Pethuel? A) JOEL 1) I am a deliverer of Israel, I delivered them from Egypt 15) I am the son of King David and I built the temple of Israel? A) MOSES A) SOLOMON 2) I led them through the Wilderness after the death of Moses 16) My father is Elkanah and my mother is Hannah A) JOSHUA A)SAMUEL 3) I was the fourth judge of Israel, And was the only woman judge 17) God was very pleased with my offering and I was killed by my brother? A) DEBORAH A) ABEL 4) I was a former tax collector, I left everything and followed Jesus 18) My kinsman redeemer is Boaz. My mother in law is Naomi? A) MATTHEW A) RUTH 5) I have two wives Leah and Rachael, I betrayed my brother 19) I was thrown into the Lion’s den and Gods angel kept me safe? A) JACOB A) DANIEL 6) When God asked where is thy brother I said “I DO NOT KNOW, AM I MY BROTHERS KEEPER” 20) I was crucified but I rose again on the third day. A) CAIN A) LORD JESUS CHRIST 7) My name is Jacob, After I had wrestled with an angel ,He changed my name to the meaning “PRINCE OF PEACE” BY

A) ISRAEL JOSHUA BENOY & DAVIS SHAJI

8) I am from the tribe of Dan. I killed 1000 people with a donkey’s jaw bone

A) SAMSON

9) My head was given in a plate to the daughter of king Herod

A) JOHN THE BAPTIST 10) Paul wrote two epistles to me and from them We learn what a good worker he was in the missionary field A) TIMOTHY 11) I was a shepherd Boy but God chose me to be the king of Israel? A) DAVID 12) I was the first king of Israel? A) SAUL

VBS 2013 MEMOIRS

The VBS was conducted this year from 4th April,2013 to 6th April,2013. The theme for this year was from John 8:32 "“The truth shall set you free".

We had our chief guest as Br. P Samson uncle who came all the way from Jharkand, India. The three day program was indeed a blessing filled with fun and frolic. It started with the warm welcome and introduction of events that were in-store. It was then followed by the Singing session led by our music band which was indeed spectacular, for we learnt many new songs and action songs that energized us much for the day! Even our chief guest Br. P Samson uncle accompanied us during singing and taught us many new songs including action songs in the regional languages of India as well as Africa.

The kids were then divided into different groups namely the A, B, C and Teens groups. The main characters that the first three groups learnt about were wide ranging, comprising of The freedom lost-Adam and Eve, The freedom seeker- Absalom and The Return to freedom-The prodigal Son. Later on games were conducted in which the kids participated actively. Well, the teens learnt and dwelt upon more distinct topics such as The lost sheep, The prodigal Son and The Return of the prodigal Son. Indeed this seemed like a simple topic but we did explore the deeper truths about these three topics that in fact made us wonder about our personal lives.

It was then followed by wonder games such as cricket, football and so on. Later, the children were divided into subgroups for clarification of doubts. Approximately 180 students attended this year's VBS. The prime motive was to bring lost souls into the fold of our blessed master. Well, Gods hand was graciously with us concerning this matter. Around 9 children testified of the Lord as their Savior and expressed their willingness to be born again. The closing was fabulous that started with the magnificent singing session and thereby was followed by the variety of programs displaying the talents of many children. There was a wonderful speech regarding the need to be saved and how to overcome eternal destruction put up by Br. Samson uncle. It was concluded with the Vote of Thanks by our beloved Sunday School principal Br. V I Mathew uncle. In the end the kids were surprised with wonderful gifts such as verses banner and so on. We thank our almighty God for being with us throughout the three day program. We do request your valuable prayers for conducting the VBS in such a manner in the years to come!

COMPILED BY:

JAIRUS RENJI

PHOTOGRAPHY:

BEJOY THOMAS